Back to Quito!!! Our group gets smaller and smaller with each hour that goes by. Most of the military has left us. Only a few remain. Translators are dropping left and right. Soon there will be no one left!
We made a stop at the middle of the earth, the center of the world, 0' 0' 0'
I think it was a great time had by all. WIth a couple of mesumes and lots of interactive displays, we all had fun.
Dinner was at a Waffle House tonight. Oh my... We all rolled back to the hotel because our bellies were so full!!!
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Pachancho
Oh Pachancho my love!!! So good to be back. We have been in in this community for 5 years now. The change that I have seen in my time is staggering. Selfishly, I am sad that they do not need the medical team as much in years past.
It was a super speedy set up. Even for the veterans, this was the first time any of us have been in the new church. Oh my goodness, flushing toilets that you would actually want to sit on. It is such a beautiful structure. Well designed and nicely insulated.
Pachancho is about 14,000 ft above sea level. That means that even though we have been here for 10 days, it is still difficult to breath that high up. The wind is whiping. It is super cold. But, we have this amazing church to keep us warm.
It is such a blessing to see the transformation of this community from surviving to thriving.
It was a super speedy set up. Even for the veterans, this was the first time any of us have been in the new church. Oh my goodness, flushing toilets that you would actually want to sit on. It is such a beautiful structure. Well designed and nicely insulated.
Pachancho is about 14,000 ft above sea level. That means that even though we have been here for 10 days, it is still difficult to breath that high up. The wind is whiping. It is super cold. But, we have this amazing church to keep us warm.
It is such a blessing to see the transformation of this community from surviving to thriving.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Cebadas Day 3
Our last day in the village of Cebadas. It was an extremely busy day all around. This was hands down our largest group of people yet. AND! The best part, we did not have to turn anyone away.
Many people were able to see providers, many children were taught about nutrition/hand washing, and many people were prayed for/ministered to.
There were two patients today who's ears were so impacted an otoscope wouldn't fit into the ear. You would not believe how much stuff, smelly stuff, came out of their ears.
****Side note - Aparently, the pictures I have been posting here are not appearing. Once I get back
Into the U.S.A I will repost with pictures for your enjoyment
Our surgeon, nurse anesthetist, and the amazing assistants were able to fix a very large hernia on Pastor Aurelio. It took quite a while. He was awake for the entire procedure and prayed blessings over all the helpful hands after the surgery. Even though I was not apart of the procedure in any way, it warms my heart that we were able to serve someone who gives every part of his life in service. Pastor Aurelio and his wife are amazing and inspiring!
Two more birthdays today! And, since there were so many on our team this year, we had a party tonight. Piñata's, cake, confetti, and dancing. It was so much fun!!
Many people were able to see providers, many children were taught about nutrition/hand washing, and many people were prayed for/ministered to.
There were two patients today who's ears were so impacted an otoscope wouldn't fit into the ear. You would not believe how much stuff, smelly stuff, came out of their ears.
****Side note - Aparently, the pictures I have been posting here are not appearing. Once I get back
Into the U.S.A I will repost with pictures for your enjoyment
Our surgeon, nurse anesthetist, and the amazing assistants were able to fix a very large hernia on Pastor Aurelio. It took quite a while. He was awake for the entire procedure and prayed blessings over all the helpful hands after the surgery. Even though I was not apart of the procedure in any way, it warms my heart that we were able to serve someone who gives every part of his life in service. Pastor Aurelio and his wife are amazing and inspiring!
Two more birthdays today! And, since there were so many on our team this year, we had a party tonight. Piñata's, cake, confetti, and dancing. It was so much fun!!
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Cebadas Day 2
Here is a quick update from one of yesterday's stories. The woman who had the skin cancer removed from her face came back. She wanted to speak with the pastor in Cebadas to see if she could come on Sunday to speak to the congregation. She said that in the attempt to get the cancer removed, she spent over $300. That is literally an Ecuadorian fortune! She heard the ad on the radio that we would be coming. Her family discouraged her from coming since all of those other doctors told her no. She came into the clinic a non believer and left as a Christian. She said it was a blessing from the Lord that we were here and able to help her.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Cebadas Day 1
Short bus ride this morning; only one hour! The past few days we have been stopping in this village to switch buses. It is very nice to have a shorter drive. Set up was easy today since everyone has had one set up under their belts. Plus, this church is a bit bigger, making everything a little better.
There were three surgeries today: a hernia repair, skin cancer removal, and removal of a rotten tooth.
The woman with the skin cancer was so greatful. She had gone to three doctors but none would remove it.
In pharmacy this morning, the soldiers learned how to counsel on vitamins and deworming medicine. They were so excited that it was funny.
I find it amazing how little things can make such an impact on people. A woman with vericose veins came into clinic today. I gave her a pair of compression socks to help with the pain and swelling. It made such a hughe impact on her; she was so very greatful and so very happy.
Miss Randi celebrated her birthday today! Luckly for her she did not get the traditional face cake :)
Tonight Ecuador plays Columbia. Most nights at this time, the noise level is silent. Tonight the living room is filled with screams and screeching.
There were three surgeries today: a hernia repair, skin cancer removal, and removal of a rotten tooth.
The woman with the skin cancer was so greatful. She had gone to three doctors but none would remove it.
In pharmacy this morning, the soldiers learned how to counsel on vitamins and deworming medicine. They were so excited that it was funny.
I find it amazing how little things can make such an impact on people. A woman with vericose veins came into clinic today. I gave her a pair of compression socks to help with the pain and swelling. It made such a hughe impact on her; she was so very greatful and so very happy.
Miss Randi celebrated her birthday today! Luckly for her she did not get the traditional face cake :)
Tonight Ecuador plays Columbia. Most nights at this time, the noise level is silent. Tonight the living room is filled with screams and screeching.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Bazan Grande Day Tres
Our last day at the community of Bazan Grande. We saw a ton of patients today! The clinic ran very well. Like a well oiled machine.
There were orignally two surgeries planned. But, during the prepo it was discovered that one of the patients did not actually have a hernia. Fret not! We were able to find another person who needed a cyst removed.
Spiritual was rocking again.
H. Pylori was rocking again.
Pharmacy was rocking again.
A fun story from my time in primary care. I had been moved to another providers room, since surgery needed a room for preop. A family of three came in. Papa first. Itchy feet. I had to run around to find a pair of gloves. Found gloves, examined his feet, good to go, throw away gloves. Mama next. Itching and swelling in both legs. Turns out she has vericose veins. Fantastic, we have compression stockings to help with that! Well, typically I would put gloves on to help a patient put on compression stockings for the first time, but I did not want to run out of the exam room again. Fine, done, I touched stinky feet. Finally, the little girl. Main complaints, rash. I looked at the rash and touched it. Could have been an infection or it could be sensitive skin. Since we have a lab with a microscope I had a sample taken... It turned out that is was scabies. Scabies that I touched without gloves. EEEEWWW!
This evening, Katty gave her testimony to the team. Along with some sharing from other team members it was a very emotional night.
There were orignally two surgeries planned. But, during the prepo it was discovered that one of the patients did not actually have a hernia. Fret not! We were able to find another person who needed a cyst removed.
Spiritual was rocking again.
H. Pylori was rocking again.
Pharmacy was rocking again.
A fun story from my time in primary care. I had been moved to another providers room, since surgery needed a room for preop. A family of three came in. Papa first. Itchy feet. I had to run around to find a pair of gloves. Found gloves, examined his feet, good to go, throw away gloves. Mama next. Itching and swelling in both legs. Turns out she has vericose veins. Fantastic, we have compression stockings to help with that! Well, typically I would put gloves on to help a patient put on compression stockings for the first time, but I did not want to run out of the exam room again. Fine, done, I touched stinky feet. Finally, the little girl. Main complaints, rash. I looked at the rash and touched it. Could have been an infection or it could be sensitive skin. Since we have a lab with a microscope I had a sample taken... It turned out that is was scabies. Scabies that I touched without gloves. EEEEWWW!
This evening, Katty gave her testimony to the team. Along with some sharing from other team members it was a very emotional night.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Bazan Grande Day 2
First full day of clinic. Wow! We hit the ground running and worked the whole day through. Even with lunch time, there were people always working. We never really shut down at all.
Brynn and Andrew (med students) are collecting data for a poster presentation on H. Pylori (a gastro intentional bacterial infection that can cause ulcers). So far, every patient that we have seen has conceited to be tested. Great data for their project!
Cheryl and Paris spent the entire day in spiritual clinic. They had an opportunity to pray for Pastor Arillio and his wife. Pastor Arillio has approximately 20 churches in the rual area that he presides over; he is a busy man. They also shared the story of our spiritual braclets to adults and children and shared the gospel.
Spiritual Braclets:
Black - Represents sin. You sin, I sin, we all sin
Red - Represents the lood of Jesus. Jesus died for you and for me
White - Jesus blood clean us from our sins
Blue - Represents baptism. Baptism is an external example of what Jesus has done to us internally
Green - Represents growth; growth in spirit
Yellow - Represents heaven. One day we will go to heaven, to be with the Lord and Jesus
Clinic had some interesting cases today. Renae had a patient who had been diagnosed with H. Pylori in the hospital but could not afford the $40 is cost for treatment. He was elated when we were able to treat him at no cost. In the same family, the daughter was diagnosed with a terminal heart murmur. The family was told to expect her to turn blue in 4 to 6 months and die. Renae checked the girl out. With her super smarts she discovered a faint murmur, caused by anemia! A simple fix!!!
Andrew had a couple, both with the same STI (sexually transmitted infection). He came to pharmacy for a recommendation on treatment. Together we gave tandem ceftriaxone shots (in the butt muscle). It was so so so funny because the woman took the shot without batting an eye, while the man was shaking like a leaf. When he was walking around the church waiting for his medications, he was holding his rear the entire time! We also taught them how to use condoms using the base of an otoscope. When in Ecuador it is appropriate to improvise! Later in pharmacy, I helped counsel the same couple. There were a number of one time medications which we administered right away. Again, the woman threw those pills back no problem. Her husband... Well, he winced and grimaced and choked. It was so difficult not to laugh at him.
Unfortunately, we had to turn people away today. The hope is that we will see everyone tomorrow before leaving for the next village.
Brynn and Andrew (med students) are collecting data for a poster presentation on H. Pylori (a gastro intentional bacterial infection that can cause ulcers). So far, every patient that we have seen has conceited to be tested. Great data for their project!
Cheryl and Paris spent the entire day in spiritual clinic. They had an opportunity to pray for Pastor Arillio and his wife. Pastor Arillio has approximately 20 churches in the rual area that he presides over; he is a busy man. They also shared the story of our spiritual braclets to adults and children and shared the gospel.
Spiritual Braclets:
Black - Represents sin. You sin, I sin, we all sin
Red - Represents the lood of Jesus. Jesus died for you and for me
White - Jesus blood clean us from our sins
Blue - Represents baptism. Baptism is an external example of what Jesus has done to us internally
Green - Represents growth; growth in spirit
Yellow - Represents heaven. One day we will go to heaven, to be with the Lord and Jesus
Clinic had some interesting cases today. Renae had a patient who had been diagnosed with H. Pylori in the hospital but could not afford the $40 is cost for treatment. He was elated when we were able to treat him at no cost. In the same family, the daughter was diagnosed with a terminal heart murmur. The family was told to expect her to turn blue in 4 to 6 months and die. Renae checked the girl out. With her super smarts she discovered a faint murmur, caused by anemia! A simple fix!!!
Andrew had a couple, both with the same STI (sexually transmitted infection). He came to pharmacy for a recommendation on treatment. Together we gave tandem ceftriaxone shots (in the butt muscle). It was so so so funny because the woman took the shot without batting an eye, while the man was shaking like a leaf. When he was walking around the church waiting for his medications, he was holding his rear the entire time! We also taught them how to use condoms using the base of an otoscope. When in Ecuador it is appropriate to improvise! Later in pharmacy, I helped counsel the same couple. There were a number of one time medications which we administered right away. Again, the woman threw those pills back no problem. Her husband... Well, he winced and grimaced and choked. It was so difficult not to laugh at him.
Unfortunately, we had to turn people away today. The hope is that we will see everyone tomorrow before leaving for the next village.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Sunday Funday
Not much happens in Ecuador on Sunday's. Therefore, we are not able to hold clinics, even if we wanted to.
We took a trip into Riobamba. Katty led us on a scavenger hunt in the market. We were divided into small groups (with a translator in each team) and given a list of fruits/veggies to bring back to the hacienda. It was a fun adventure! Even though most of the market was shut down, because it was Sunday, the market was still brimming with color and full of fruit. Beautiful!
Erika, Eric, Paris, and I went for a run. Erika is training for an Iron Man and desperately wanted to go for a run. I blamed my sucking air on the altitude.... Not on the fact that I haven't been running in weeks....
We had a wonderful devotional time after dinner lead by Randy. Followed by introductions of the translators(and Eric). We were able to hear a little bit about their stories and where they are at in life.
Post dinner and devo was prep for tomorrow. Every single person on the team helped with pre packing medications and making bracelets. It was amazing. The work went quickly and we really bonded. What a great team!!!
Tomorrow we are expecting approximately 200 people to be seen at clinic. Wish us luck!
We took a trip into Riobamba. Katty led us on a scavenger hunt in the market. We were divided into small groups (with a translator in each team) and given a list of fruits/veggies to bring back to the hacienda. It was a fun adventure! Even though most of the market was shut down, because it was Sunday, the market was still brimming with color and full of fruit. Beautiful!
Erika, Eric, Paris, and I went for a run. Erika is training for an Iron Man and desperately wanted to go for a run. I blamed my sucking air on the altitude.... Not on the fact that I haven't been running in weeks....
We had a wonderful devotional time after dinner lead by Randy. Followed by introductions of the translators(and Eric). We were able to hear a little bit about their stories and where they are at in life.
Post dinner and devo was prep for tomorrow. Every single person on the team helped with pre packing medications and making bracelets. It was amazing. The work went quickly and we really bonded. What a great team!!!
Tomorrow we are expecting approximately 200 people to be seen at clinic. Wish us luck!
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Bazan Grande Day 1
A few of our team members were up with the chickens, exercising on the roof. The rest of were up at a more reasonable hour, 7am, for breakfast.
The community of Bazan Grande was much drier than we expected it to be. The reports from last week are what lead us to purchase the muck boots. Even though it was fairly dry and not too mucky a few still rocked our boots.
As expected the first set up of clinic of the trip had a few kinks. However, I am very confident that it will go quickly from now on! We saw a fair number of people today. It gave us all an opportunity to see how the team will be working together.
This year, we have a surgeon and anistegiologist. So fantastic!!! In our short day, they were able to preform two surgeries. What a blessing to our group!
Tomorrow we will having a day of rest in Riobamba before our 6 day stent of clinic without rest.
The community of Bazan Grande was much drier than we expected it to be. The reports from last week are what lead us to purchase the muck boots. Even though it was fairly dry and not too mucky a few still rocked our boots.
As expected the first set up of clinic of the trip had a few kinks. However, I am very confident that it will go quickly from now on! We saw a fair number of people today. It gave us all an opportunity to see how the team will be working together.
This year, we have a surgeon and anistegiologist. So fantastic!!! In our short day, they were able to preform two surgeries. What a blessing to our group!
Tomorrow we will having a day of rest in Riobamba before our 6 day stent of clinic without rest.
Friday, July 22, 2016
Unpacking Riobamba
Today we ran a few errands in Quito before leaving for Riobamba. The look of terror on the clerks face when a pack of grinos descended on to the hardware store was halarious. Last year we spent quite a bit of time in some muddy villages, so, we decided to buy muck boots for the team. That was our random reason for going to the hardware store.
The bus ride to Riobamba was uneventful and long. A few delays, but we made it to the hacienda without any problems. We had new digs this year, a whole hacienda to ourselves. Very very nice!!!
After dinner was the mass unpacking and repacking session. Always a bit hectic. All divided and all done! Praise the Lord!
First day of clinic is tomorrow and we are all excited!
The bus ride to Riobamba was uneventful and long. A few delays, but we made it to the hacienda without any problems. We had new digs this year, a whole hacienda to ourselves. Very very nice!!!
After dinner was the mass unpacking and repacking session. Always a bit hectic. All divided and all done! Praise the Lord!
First day of clinic is tomorrow and we are all excited!
Made It!
Well, we made it! It is 2:05am in Quito, Ecudaor at this moment. We are all unwinding and washing off the long day of travel. It did get a little hairy in Atlanta. We had to do a few drive by's due to the weather, then we were stuck on the tarmak for a considerable amount of time. Once we did get off the plane, there was a solid 10 minutes to get to the other end of the airport for our next flight. Luckily, the other plane had the same issues as us. In all we took off about an hour and a half late, but we made it about on schedule!
Getting bags was the usual fiasco. We thought we ended up one bag short, when in reality we were one bag extra. Some poor soul is still at the airport stressing about their lost luggage!
Tomorrow we will make the long treck to Riobamba. Approximately a 4-5 hour drive, depending on traffic, livestock, volcanos, and/or vechicle functionability.
The Fun Begins!
Getting bags was the usual fiasco. We thought we ended up one bag short, when in reality we were one bag extra. Some poor soul is still at the airport stressing about their lost luggage!
Tomorrow we will make the long treck to Riobamba. Approximately a 4-5 hour drive, depending on traffic, livestock, volcanos, and/or vechicle functionability.
The Fun Begins!
Monday, July 18, 2016
Blast Off
Just a few more days before Ecuador Medical Mission 2016!! We have a grand total of 25 Amercians on our team this year. We will be quite a caravan once we pile on our translators, military, cooks, etc.
The plan (which is flexible), is to fly in to Quito on Thursday and stay the night. The next morning we will take the long bus ride to Riobamba. We will be staying outside of town, which will be different from years past. No wandering around the city and taking off to the Super Maxi (the mall). So, I imagine that there will be a lot more getting to know each other.
Saturday we will have our first day in the field in a town named Basan Grande. This is near the community of Alow; a place we served last year.
Sunday fun day.
Monday and Tuesday back in Basan Grande
Wednesday-Friday in the village of Cebadas (pronounced See baa das).
Saturday in Pachancho. The village so dear to my heart.
I will be posing daily internet willing!
Thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, donations, and support!
The plan (which is flexible), is to fly in to Quito on Thursday and stay the night. The next morning we will take the long bus ride to Riobamba. We will be staying outside of town, which will be different from years past. No wandering around the city and taking off to the Super Maxi (the mall). So, I imagine that there will be a lot more getting to know each other.
Saturday we will have our first day in the field in a town named Basan Grande. This is near the community of Alow; a place we served last year.
Sunday fun day.
Monday and Tuesday back in Basan Grande
Wednesday-Friday in the village of Cebadas (pronounced See baa das).
Saturday in Pachancho. The village so dear to my heart.
I will be posing daily internet willing!
Thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers, donations, and support!
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